7/07/2010 @ 2:00PM

In Pictures: The World's Richest Royals

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar

Fortune: $2.4 billion (up)

Age: 58

Became ruler after deposing father in a bloodless coup in 1995. Leads one of the best-performing global economies, based on rising oil and gas prices; GDP rose 9.5% last year and is set for double-digit growth this year. Qatar Holding purchased Britain’s Harrod’s department store more than $2 billion. Emir is leading Qatar’s bid for the 2022 World Cup, the first time it would be staged in the Middle East if the bid is accepted. In spare time, cruises on his 436-foot super-yacht Al Mirqab, one of world’s largest.